Top Destination Wedding Trends For 2016

A new report from Special Events shows exactly what destination wedding planners and couples are up to this year.

When looking at the numbers, the average cost for a destination wedding is less than $10,000. Accommodations are usually around $2,048; the cost of the wedding package at the hotel or resort is around $1,635; and flights are around $1,127. The average guest count is 28. Generally couples stay seven nights at the location, while guests stay four, and it only takes a little more than 11 months to plan.

The report says more destination weddings are becoming multigenerational affairs, and hotels and resorts are catering to the growing number of children accompanying their parents to destination weddings with babysitting services and kid-friendly activities. Currently, approximately 88 percent of all destination weddings have children in attendance.

The year’s top destinations for weddings are, unsurprisingly, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Mexico is most popular for May weddings, while the Dominican Republic and Jamaica see the most weddings in June. Following in popularity are Costa Rica, Aruba and St. Lucia. However, there are some emerging destinations on the horizon. Canada is attracting engaged couples with its breathtaking scenery, while Iceland and Italy are top spots for couples wanting a European wedding.

Trends also show destination weddings are particularly popular for LGBTQ couples, with 20 percent of all same-sex couples married in the last year opting for a destination wedding. LGBTQ travelers are picking their own emerging wedding destinations, with Ireland, Spain and South Africa as the top picks.